What is a tourism audit?

The overall objective of this audit was to provide assurance that the Agency exercised due diligence in the delivery of program activity supporting tourism, and complied with established policies and guidelines, as well as Treasury Board Policy on Transfer Payments.

The examination was conducted during the period of October 2007 through April 2008, and covered contributions approved during the three-year period that commenced April 1, 2004, and ended March 31, 2007.

The audit consisted of an examination of project files in respect of approved contributions from the Agency’s four regional offices, Head Office and Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC). Selected projects were examined in detail to evaluate compliance with Agency guidelines through all project phases, including assessment, disbursement, administration and monitoring.

We concluded that, on an overall basis, ACOA exercises due diligence in assessing tourism-related applications and in disbursing program funds to recipients. We further concluded that project approvals and amendments were in accordance with established delegated authorities, contracts contain provisions as required by program policies and guidelines, and monitoring activities are adequate to meet established requirements.

In our judgment, sufficient and appropriate audit procedures have been conducted and evidence gathered to support accuracy of the conclusions reached and contained in this report. The conclusions were based on a comparison of the situations as they existed at the time against the audit criteria, and in consideration of the results of the compliance testing. The conclusions are only applicable in respect of the audited program